Te Ana-au Caves

Limestone passages with underground streams form a network of caverns within the Fiordland National Park along Lake Te Anau's western shore.

After a three-year search guided by Maori legends, Lawson Burrows discovered these 12,000-year-old caves in 1948, establishing initial tourism operations.

The name Te Ana-au originates from Maori language meaning 'The Swirling Cave', referring to the water movement through the underground system.

Tours include a boat ride across Lake Te Anau and guided cave exploration in groups of 14 people, with temperatures ranging between 8-12 degrees Celsius.

Small boats glide through dark passages where thousands of bioluminescent glowworms native to New Zealand illuminate the cave ceiling.

Location: Southland District

GPS coordinates: -45.29540,167.72700

Latest update: March 3, 2025 05:14